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Linear Periodization & Linear Progression Powerlifting Programs

Linear periodization is a programming method that gradually increases intensity relative to an athlete's one rep max (1RM) while simultaneously reducing volume. It is one of the most common periodization methods used in strength training.

Below you'll find powerlifting and strength training programs that utilize linear periodization (aka linear progression).

Popular Linear Periodization Programs

  1. Jonnie Candito Linear Periodization Program
  2. GreySkull LP
  3. nSuns 5/3/1 LP
  4. Ivysaur 4-4-8 Beginner Strength Program
  5. Jim Wendler 5/3/1

If you don't find the program you're looking for, check out the Lift Vault Program Library, which lets you search based on periodization type, program length, and much more.

Related: powerlifting programs, powerbuilding programs, bodybuilding programs, strength training programs

Fierce 5 Workout Program

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The Fierce 5 workout is a great beginner bodybuilding program. It is a 2x weekly program that incorporates compound lifts and accessory movements to stimulate strength improvements and muscle growth.

[Read more…]

Vince Anello 14 Week Deadlift Program Spreadsheet

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Updates:

  • February 23, 2020 – Fixed mix up between pin squats and partial deadlifts. Thanks to a reader for pointing out the misinterpretation via the contact form.
  • July 29, 2019 – Fixed permissions for the spreadsheet. You should be able to make a copy of it now. Apologies for any inconvenience.

This is a spreadsheet for Vince Anello’s 14 week deadlift program. [Read more…]

Armstrong Pull Up Workout Program Spreadsheet

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This is a spreadsheet for the Armstrong Pull Up Workout Program. It is a 5 day per week routine designed to improve an athlete’s pull up strength.

Armstrong Pull Up Workout Program Overview

  • Day 1: Complete 5 AMRAP sets
  • Day 2: Start with 1 pull up and rest 10 seconds. Then do 2 pull ups and rest 20 seconds, and so on, until failure. Then decrease reps by 1, reducing rest periods by 10 seconds per set along the way, until back down to 1 rep.
  • Day 3: Complete 3 sets of pull ups using three different grip variations (wide, neutral, supine). A supinated grip means the palms will be facing your body, similar to the grip used in a barbell curl.
  • Day 4: Select a training max (e.g. 5 reps) and complete as many sets as possible until failure.
  • Day 5: Complete 5 AMRAP sets

Related: Pull Up Muscles Worked

Armstrong Pull Up Workout Program Spreadsheet

via /r/fitness

Armstrong Pullup Program | LiftVault.com

Brendan Tietz Beginner Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet

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August 6, 2019 Update: The spreadsheet is now available for copying and sharing. Apologies for the mix up.

A beginner powerlifting program released by Brendan Tietz. A video overview and full program details are below. [Read more…]

Greg Nuckols High Frequency Powerlifting Program Spreadsheet (2 Versions)

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In October 2015, Greg Nuckols published a very popular article titled “Your Drug Free Muscle and Strength Potential: Part 2.” In it he laid out the foundations for a high frequency training method.

It’s a pretty cool article because it includes a strength potential calculator that tries to estimate what percentage of a person’s maximum potential they’ve currently achieved per lift. If an individual is below 80% of their potential, they generally respond well to high frequency training. [Read more…]

All Pro Simple Beginner Routine Program Spreadsheet

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The All Pro Simple Beginner Routine (ASBR) is a classic strength and hypertrophy workout routine for novices. It supposedly originated on BodyBuilding.com and this particular version was modified a bit by tr3pid.

There is an extensive FAQ section that is copied from the spreadsheet below. [Read more…]

Brian Alsruhe Mass Building Powerlifting Program

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Another free strength program from Brian Alsruhe, this time focusing on mass building. A video overview is below.

[Read more…]

16 Week Strongman Wave Program Spreadsheet

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Known simply as “wave program” via Strongman Ontario. It is a 16 week program, run 4 days per week.

[Read more…]

Strength Power and Fortitude 4 Week Powerbuilding Program Spreadsheet

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The Strength Power and Fortitude (SPF) 4 week powerbuilding program by Brogan Pratt is an off season program for powerlifters designed to help build base strength and work capacity. It can be run as a 3 day or 4 day program and resets every 4 weeks, using an AMRAP set on week 4 to gauge progress.

[Read more…]

GZCLP Program Spreadsheets, Progression Tips, and Accessories

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GZCLP is a linear progression strength program for beginners. It is a simpler variation of the GZCL program methodology with more rapid progression. The GZCLP program is available in three day and four day versions. It is highly customizable, allowing the individual to select a variety of lifts to perform over the course of the program.

[Read more…]

3 Peaking Template Spreadsheets by Barbell Medicine

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Following up on the popular Bridge Program, the crew at Barbell Medicine introduced a free peaking program for athletes preparing for a powerlifting or strengthlifting meet. [Read more…]

Hepburn Method Powerbuilding Program Spreadsheet

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Doug Hepburn has become synonymous with brute force and sheer simplicity. This is reflected in his programs, which focus entirely on compound strength movements and do not explicitly recommend any direct accessory work.

Below there are essentially 2 programs, each with a power phase and a pump phase. In the old days, [Read more…]

5 Blaine Sumner Program Spreadsheets

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This is the free program spreadsheet collection offered on Blaine Sumner’s site.

It contains:

  • linear progression program
  • high frequency program
  • off-season program
  • equipped lifting program
  • bench-only program

All of the above programs are 12 weeks in length and are programmed off of percentages of the lifter’s training max. [Read more…]

PHATburn Powerbuilding Program Spreadsheet

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Established by Doug Hepburn as a powerbuilding routine that blends the heavy weight work of powerlifting training with the hypertrophy-inducing volume of bodybuilding training, PHATburn is a challenging program for advanced athletes. If you’re looking to introduce more volume into your off-season training, this may be what you’re looking for. [Read more…]

The Bridge by Barbell Medicine Program Spreadsheet

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Created by Jordan Feigenbaum and Austin Baraki at Barbell Medicine, the Bridge is a strength program designed for athletes that are finishing a novice program like Starting Strength or Strong Lifts 5×5 and are ready for a “bridge” to intermediate level programming.  [Read more…]

Hatch Squat Program Spreadsheet

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Created by Coach Gayle Hatch, the Hatch Squat Program is fairly straightforward:

  • Train the squat 2x per week for 12 weeks
  • Each training session programs front squats and back squats
  • The Hatch Squat Program uses a descending pyramid rep scheme
  • The athlete will attempt a 103% of 1RM squat in week 11

The Hatch Squat program would be useful for intermediate and advance lifters looking to break through a plateau on their squat. Because of it’s 1:1 rep ratio between the front and back squat, it’s written more with weightlifters in mind, not powerlifters. It could be effective for off season powerlifting training though. [Read more…]

Weightrainer Peaking Programs #1 and #2 Spreadsheets

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Weightrainer.net published these two peaking programs: one designed especially for the bench press (#1) and another program (#2) for squat, bench, or deadlift.

The two programs are pretty similar, but here are some key differences: [Read more…]

Classic 9 and 12 Week Powerlifting Peaking Program Spreadsheets

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As old as time itself, these peaking programs can be run for squat, bench, and deadlift when preparing for a powerlifting meet. Both seek to improve your 1 rep max by 5% after the end of the cycle.

The differences between the 9 week and 12 week peaking cycles can be seen below: [Read more…]

Scott Warman 10 Week Bench Press Peaking Program

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Scott Warman’s 10 week bench press peaking program is a bit different than many bench peaking programs in that it focuses on improving the 2RM by 10 lbs. 1RM improvements are saved for meet day. [Read more…]

Fred Hatfield (Dr. Squat) 9 Week Peaking Program Spreadsheet

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Update: KG and LB rounding now supported.

Developed by Fred Hatfield (aka Dr. Squat), this 9 week peaking program is based on two workouts per week: one heavy, one light.

It can be run for a specific lift or all three lifts.

The 1RM increase is 10%, making it an ambitious peaking program, although it does allow for a deload period half way through the program for recovery. [Read more…]